Itineraries

Begin your day at Auckland Castle, once home to the powerful Prince Bishops of Durham, and learn how these men helped shape the country we live in today. Journey through time from the magnificent St Peter’s Chapel to the former apartments of the Bishops of Durham, which give an insight into the history of Auckland Castle from the medieval period right up to the present day.

Continue your journey through history in the Faith Museum, the first museum in England to explore the impact of faith on Britain. The museum’s story begins 6,000 years ago and leads visitors on a journey through British history through the unique lens of faith.

Treat yourself in the Bishop’s Kitchen café where you can enjoy home-cooked food and delicious cakes in the historic surroundings of Auckland Castle’s original Tudor kitchen.

Culture, life and community sprung out from mining in the North East. The intimate art collection in the Mining Art Gallery gives a fascinating insight into the history of coal-mining in County Durham, an important part of our local history.

Start your day by visiting the remarkable collection of paintings by Francisco de Zurbarán, Jacob and His Twelve Sons, which have hung in the Long Dining Room at Auckland Castle for over 250 years. You can also enjoy a rolling programme of temporary exhibitions in the Bishop Trevor Gallery, also part of Auckland Castle.

Explore faith through art with a series of contemporary art installations by British artists on the first floor of the Faith Museum. Each artist’s work is inspired by the themes of faith, identity and belonging.

Pause for lunch in the Bishop’s Kitchen café where you can enjoy home-cooked food and delicious cakes in the beautiful surroundings of Auckland Castle’s original Tudor kitchen.

Breathe in the majesty and melodrama of one of the UK’s largest collections of 16th and 17th century Spanish artworks outside London, and admire masterpieces by renowned artists including El Greco, Murillo, Zurbarán and Velázquez.

Creativity can shine even in the darkest of places. A visit to this intimate and awe-inspiring art collection takes you on an exploration of the art, culture and context of the mining industry, with a particular focus on County Durham.

Relax after a busy day in the atmospheric surroundings of our Tapas restaurant El Castillo, where you can sample tasty Spanish-style tapas dishes with a Northern twist.

Awaken the senses as you explore the beautifully landscaped gardens surrounding Auckland Castle including the Walled Garden, North Terrace Garden, Wilderness Garden and the Faith Garden.

The 150-acre Deer Park surrounding Auckland Castle is free to explore from dawn until dusk, with a series of walking trails to enjoy. The Deer Park is open in all seasons and is a haven for wildlife. Look out for the historic Deer House and the 18th-century Trevor Bridge.

Rest your feet and treat yourself to the delicious homemade food on offer in Bishop’s Kitchen, including fresh produce from our very own Walled Garden. Go on… you’ve earned it!

Begin your day at Auckland Castle, once home to the powerful Prince Bishops of Durham. St Peter’s Chapel is still a working chapel, with services every Wednesday, and remains a quiet place for peaceful reflection and contemplation.

Continue your journey through history in the Faith Museum, the first museum in England to explore the impact of faith on Britain. The museum’s story begins 6,000 years ago and leads visitors on a journey through British history through the unique lens of faith.

Pause for lunch in the Bishop’s Kitchen café where you can enjoy home-cooked food and delicious cakes in the beautiful surroundings of Auckland Castle’s original Tudor kitchen.

Many of the masterpieces in the Spanish Gallery reflect the religious fervour of the Spanish Golden Age. Admire works by renowned artists including El Greco, Murillo, Zurbarán and Velázquez.

Walk in the footsteps of the powerful Prince Bishops of Durham as you explore historic Auckland Castle with our children’s trail. Make yourself at home in the Dining Room, dance around the Throne Room and even dress up as a medieval knight or bishop.

You’ll find surprises around every corner in Auckland Gardens. Go on an outdoor adventure in our Wilderness Garden and see how many different varieties of fruit and vegetables you can spot in our enormous Walled Garden.

The Deer Park is a haven for wildlife, with over 150-acres of parkland to explore. Grab your binoculars and see if you can spot any of the furry and feathered creatures who call the Deer Park home. It’s also the perfect spot for a picnic!

Ride the rails of history on Weardale Railway. Board the train from Bishop Auckland and enjoy a scenic train ride through Weardale, on selected days throughout the year. Visit the Weardale Railway website for the latest fares and timetables.